Before America entered the war the army wanted nothing to do with Black Americans. Not only were the Black troops laughable to the army and the powers, but they also didn’t consider them as Americans. Even though about half a million Blacks already served in the First World War it did not matter to them. America belongs to the whites and the blacks had no business seeking equality. But as the war proved to be a great war, Afro-Americans were finally allowed to take part. They had to prove themselves with little assistance and appreciation. In the segregated army black soldiers were treated like sub-humans, even though they fought under the same flag as their white counterparts. But through the humiliation and other challenges they distinguished themselves and rose above any expectation. They served in tank units, infantry and artillery. Black nurses helped countless wounded soldiers and kept them from committing suicide. The successful commander General George S. Patton marched across Europe with Afro-American combat units. They fought with their heart and now are part of the misery and the glory of D-Day in Normandy, France. In the end Afro-Americans proved their superiors and any one who did not believe in them wrong. They too were Americans and were willing to die for their country. Sometimes I sit down and wonder, what inspired the Afro-Americans to fight for a country that wanted nothing to do with them? The obvious is that they had hoped for double victory. A victory on the frontline and a victory back home. They had hoped by proving their patriotism to the American people and the powers in their country they would be seen as equal and respected human beings. However, afterwards nothing changed for our warriors as America did not yield from its prejudice and superior believes. Not even when a million brave black men and women proved once more their loyalty to their country in a great war. Some of the Afro-Americans served with white Americans but when the war was over so was the integration. The Afro-Americans who fiercely fought for their country went back to a segregated society. To make matter worse, the brave soldiers were also denied honours, promotion and recognition. It would take decades before America could honour its black heroics for their accomplishments in WWII.
Maybe the Afro-Americans, women and soldiers, did it to free the world or maybe they did it to get away from the challenges back home. Maybe it was a blind decision with no motive behind it or maybe because they loved their country so much they were willing to die for it. Whatever the case was, I do know that I could not have done it. I could not have fought for a government whose agenda was to keep me down. I think it takes an extraordinary bravery and a big heart for someone to stand above what’s right and do what’s good. Therefore in my personal but humble opinion I think the black Americans deserve a special place in the history of The Great War, which is still yet to fulfil. It is too bad that America did not see the achievement of their country men and women right away. The Soul Rebel Movement sees it and we honour those brave men and women without preservation. I want the unsung heroes, wherever they are, to know that we appreciate their courage, we are proud of them and eternally we honour them. Oh yes, we are proud and love our brave soldiers, whose hearts and deeds proved that the good in men does not entirely disappear in an oppression society.
The Soul Rebel Movement Salutes You.